These Are The Most Common Mistakes People Do With Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very crucial piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer apart and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, best cot newborn has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous options to make up the price. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
We also consider how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe them. best cots for newborns is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.